What an amazing and fulfilling life Carole Linton Shumway had. She was born December 10, 1936 in New York, New York to Percy and Alice Evans. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church where she met her husband, Philip Rolland Shumway, who she was married to for almost 63 years until his death on June 22, 2019. She worked as a secretary, mother, girl scout leader, customer service rep in both aviation and moving & storage industries, daycare provider to two grandsons and finally, administrative assistant to her daughter in the financial services industry. Perhaps her greatest skills were as a mother to her six children. She taught them compassion, forgiveness, laughter, support, independence, empathy, strength, to care for others and above all ……love. She was fun! Her playfulness came out when she threw parties, family reunions, vacation trips and holiday get togethers. She was always trying to improve herself by going to church retreats, reading books and giving back to others like volunteering for VNA Meals on Wheels. Her artistic side was fulfilled with decoupage, arts and crafts and by knitting blankets for all her children and grandchildren. Her children were taught to always put themselves in other people’s shoes and treat others as they themselves wished to be treated. Her support extended to all her children and grandchildren whether they were in theatre productions, basketball or football games, square dancing, tap dance or baton twirling lessons, cheerleading practice, bad piano recitals, chorus and artistic endeavors. With few childhood vacations herself, she made sure her family enjoyed them. Since there was little money and lots of kids, the family vacations were usually camping trips to 36 states driven in a large Ford Econoline van carrying an extra large tent with cots. Christmas was her favorite holiday where she dressed up as Santa Claus and filled every stocking with joke gifts and treats which filled the room with laughter. Her children all agree, we were lucky to have a perfectly imperfect mother. On July 20, 2023, Carole peacefully passed away with four of her local children at her bedside. Her middle son was holding her hand, her youngest son was at the foot of her bed, and the oldest and youngest daughters kissed her while she took her last breath. Carole is survived by her six children: Joanne and Rick Madar; Jacqui Shumway and Joe Brady; David and Mauri Shumway; Danny and Mary Shumway; Jennifer and Jeff Nyboer; and Doug and Terri Anne Shumway. Her survivors also include her 16 grandchildren: John, Jackson, Josie, Faith, Shasta, Shaylynn, JenAnne, Rebekah, Philip, Jesse, Jacob, Mary, Alex, Griffin, Noah and Liam; and finally, her 11 great grandchildren: Dylan, Maddie, Brooke, Theoden, Lizzie, Elliot, Tre, Grace, Everly, Malachi and Ezekiel. The family would like to thank her friends and neighbors at Highland Springs/ Erickson Senior Living, her caregivers from Kory’s Kind Helpers, as well as the staff at Fountain View Skilled Nursing and VNA Hospice Staff. They all did an amazing job helping her in her final years. Special thanks to Brenda Steib, a close family friend, and Tigest Ewnetu, a caregiver, both of whom always cared for and visited Carole. The family will have a celebration of life dinner for Carole on Saturday, September 2, 2023 beginning at 3pm. Doug and Terri Anne Shumway will host the celebration at their home. Their address is 1701 Hanoverian Lane Aubrey, Texas 76227. In lieu of floral tributes, donations can be made to the (JDRF) Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Cremation arrangements by Lone Star Cremation.
8 Responses
I met her only once–at the reception following her husband’s death 4 years ago. She was a delight even in her sadness. Knowing her daughter Joanne, I can certainly say that she passed on her best attributes listed in the obituary to Joanne and likely all her children.
My heart hurts for you all……..
We are so saddened by the news of her passing. As we read the obituary, we couldn’t help but think of our sister-in-law Joanne, who must have inherited the same personal qualities as her mom. Our sincere condolences to the entire family.
We were so very sorry to hear of my Aunt Carole’s passing. She always made me think of my mother who’s been gone now 35 years. Her obituary is an extremely well written summary of her life . We couldn’t get through it with dry eyes. She was truly a wonderful person!
My mom Marianne always described her younger sister as “the fun one!” I was very little the last time I saw her, I mostly just remember how my Uncle Phil had to duck down when coming in our front door! I found this quite remarkable, as having 6 children was to me. I know how much my mom loved both of her sisters & how much she wished they all lived closer. Sounds like my Aunt Carole had a beautiful & full, fun life, thanks to Jacqui’s wonderful FB post. You’re all in my thoughts. ❤️
This brought back wonderful memories for me. I always loved the opportunities we had to meet our mom’s family, which unfortunately was not often. Each time I learn more about one of them, my heart is warmed by the caring people they are. With love, Susan
From first meeting at Jacqui & Joe’s wedding, to sharing other Denver family celebrations with Carole,Phil & family thru the years, it has been a pleasure..and honor. They always embraced us as if they knew and loved us forever. We cherished that & always will. Thoughts & prayers continue for all of you
Sorry to hear of Carole’s passing. She experienced a full life indeed. In reading her obituary, we were touched by the memory of our Madar family Christmas gatherings where Joanne and Rick always had us in tears of laughter with the “joke” gifts they gave us. Obviously, carrying on Carole’s tradition….truly a blessing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I’m deeply sorry for your recent loss. May you find peace in your pain and comfort in your grief. Wishing you many happy memories of your beloved mother.
I was a witness in her last days, Ms. Carol was a good educator and a great mentor, with a funny Sense of humor.. she thought me a life-lesson. God blessed her soul!💓💐
With love and respect Tigest Ewenetu